McClure, a junior, is well on her way to achieving her goal of graduating with her bachelor’s degree in December 2025. McClure, a graduate of Abbeville Christian Academy in Abbeville, Alabama, said that prior to Auburn, her high school alma mater provided her many opportunities to pursue her love of education, having served as a summer camp instructor, teacher’s aide, substitute teacher and elementary reading tutor. She said her Auburn experience has only furthered such opportunities.

“Alongside the experience that ACA gave me, Auburn has also fostered many sources of encouragement throughout my college education,” she said. “Partaking in opportunities through service learning and internships has given me beneficial instructional and curriculum-based practices.”

McClure said the Early Childhood Education program in the College of Education has prepared her well for a future in the classroom.

“My favorite attribute of my program is the way that it fosters close friendships and encouraging environments,” she said, adding that “we have participated in project investigations that facilitate student interests, case studies that evaluate students from the beginning to the end of the semester, as well as fieldwork opportunities that allow us to determine which strategies are beneficial to the classroom.”

Paul Fitchett, professor and head of the College of Education’s Department of Curriculum and Teaching, said McClure is a shining example of the college’s many stellar students.

“Kennedy’s experience in the early education program is both unique and familiar,” he said. “Familiar in the sense that Auburn University continues to instill a sense of community that carries students beyond the university, offering a vital professional and social network. Unique, because Kennedy exemplifies what our programs in Curriculum and Teaching strive for. She has succeeded in following her passion for education inside and outside the classroom, which will provide her a strong foundation as she begins a career in early education.”

McClure, a transfer student from Troy University, said she’s found several ways to get plugged in on campus, including her induction into the Tau Sigma National Honor Society and her work as a 2023-2024 Auburn University Dance Marathon Maker. She also has become connected to the community, serving in Auburn Community Church’s children’s ministry program.

“I was given opportunities at Auburn that have surpassed all expectations,” she said.

One of her favorite experiences was outside of the classroom involving a mission trip to Japan.

“It showed me how our cultures differ, gave me opportunities to teach in new ways and established relationships I hope last a lifetime,” she said. “Ensuring that we can teach beyond a classroom is vital to being a flexible teacher in education!”

Upon her graduation in the fall, McClure plans to land a teaching job while also pursuing her master’s degree in early childhood education.

Throughout it all, she said she’ll be forever grateful to Auburn and its College of Education, adding that it is a special place because of the support it provides to its students.

“My favorite thing about Auburn is the way that Auburn loves unconditionally,” McClure said. “Through every trial and success, whether you are known or not, individuals in Auburn long to see each other succeed. No matter the instance, being in Auburn means you will be loved, supported, and seen. When you believe in Auburn and love it, it will believe in you and love you back!”